National Clothesline

Ray Rangwala, owner of Esteem Cleaners and CRDN of Los Angeles, received the Vocational Service Leadership Award from Rotary International.

Rangwala was recognized for his volunteer efforts to provide donated clothing to thousands of individuals annually across Southern California.

For the past 11 years he has served as chair of the Southern California Cleaners Association’s (SCCA) annual Coats for Kids project. In that capacity, he has coordinated the efforts of 27 schools from the Glendale Unified School District, five local fire stations and a small army of volunteer Rotarians to collect thousands of donated coats and other items of clothing.

Along with many of his local industry colleagues, he also donates drycleaning and laundry services to clean and restore the items to like-new condition, enlisting the expert assistance of fellow CRDN of Southern California partners, Bobby Patel (owner of CRDN of LA County South), Dave Suber (owner of CRDN of Orange County and Eastern LA) and Shah Hiten (owner of CRDN of Inland Empire), who also donate their services as local garment and household textile restorers.

“As the inaugural recipient of this award, I am both humbled and honored to accept this acknowledgement and to share it with all of the project volunteers,” Rangwala said. “The combined efforts of my fellow CRDN of Southern California Partners, Bobby Patel, Dave Suber and Shah Hiten, the participating members of the Southern California Cleaners Association and all of the dedicated Rotary volunteers have granted thousands the ability to fulfill one of life’s most basic needs: clothing for their backs.”

“Ray’s service to the community over these past 11 years speaks volumes about his dedication,” said Tom Hardy, governor for Rotary District 5260. “And his efforts to maintain the highest ethical standards for his employees, associates, customers and the public-at-large proves an unwavering dedication to his craft. He’s both an ambassador for Rotarians around the globe and a role-model for all California business owners.”

Union Drycleaning Products has redesigned its web site located at www.uniondc.com. The web site features sections on the company’s products, locations of current users, access to sales, service and parts departments and answers to frequently asked questions.

Irving Weber Associates (IWA), a provider of business insurance to the drycleaning industry, has branded their program with a name that highlights what they do and who they do it for — offering comprehensive insurance protection to drycleaners, commercial launderers, linen suppliers and uniform rental services.

The company has worked with local insurance brokers to offer access to its program for local drycleaners since 1946.

IWA will continue to work with the local insurance brokers to offer drycleaning clients the FabriCare AdvantageTM Program.

Said Adam Weber, president of IWA, “As the largest provider of insurance protection to the fabric care industry, we felt that branding of our program was the logical next step for the industry and their insurance brokers alike to recognize and differentiate our commitment to all things fabric care.”

“Our exemplary program isn’t changing, it’s just getting the name and notoriety it deserves,” Weber added.

For more information, drycleaner owners or insurance brokers can call IWA’s marketing coordinator, Christine (Tina) Brazier, (800) 243-1811, ext. 8207. More information about IWA and the Fabricare Advantage program is also avaolable at visit www.iwains.com or send email to mail@iwains.com.